Cloacina recently manufactured and installed a MEMPAC-M membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment plant for a sanitary district in Oregon, funded by grants and loans from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The treatment plant is capable of treating up to 195,000 gallons per day for short periods and a maximum continuous flow of 117,000 gallons per day.

The existing wastewater treatment plant, originally built in the 1960s, could no longer meet the community’s needs or comply with the latest National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The district also sought to achieve a higher quality effluent than the previous system could produce.

In 2017, a consulting engineer recommended installing a new membrane bioreactor system, and a Rural Development engineer agreed that the change in project scope would be beneficial. This adjustment led to increased project costs, prompting the district to submit an additional funding application. In 2018, they were awarded an additional $203,000 loan and a $202,600 grant. In total, the project received $1,716,000 in loans and $1,377,545 in grants through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Program.

Throughout the project, engineering and construction services were provided to assist with financing, planning, design, and implementation.

The stainless steel MEMPAC-M system designed and manufactured for this installation provides tertiary treatment and UV disinfection for discharge to a surface waterway in compliance with NPDES permit requirements. Special features of this system include equipment and process redundancy, heat reclamation from the blowers, covered and fan-vented anoxic chambers, and alkalinity supplementation for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR).

Design Parameters

“Cloacina is an emerging, family-owned business that really strives for top notch quality and good customer service. Overall, the experience of working through design, construction and start-up of the facility has been very positive. We would recommend Cloacina to others because they have the expertise required to do the job right and a good team-first attitude.”

-Justin Ford, Civil Engineer, Murraysmith Engineers

USDA FUNDING

Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Program provides financing for the acquisition, construction or improvement of drinking water, sewage and solid waste disposal and storm water drainage systems. Most state and local government entities, private nonprofits and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply. The project must serve a rural area with a population of 10,000 or less. Applications are accepted year-round.

For more information about USDA grants and loans, visit the following sites: